Leon Cannizzaro continues to wield independent hand with endorsements

When it comes to handing out endorsements, Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro doesn't always play it safe.

Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro, left, a Democrat, is supporting the re-election bid of Republican Sen. David Vitter, right.

Cannizzaro, a Democrat, showed that again this week when he announced his support for Republican U.S. Sen. David Vitter, who is seeking a second term on Nov. 2.

The politically expedient move for Cannizzaro likely would have been to back U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon, a fellow Democrat who was endorsed by Mayor Mitch Landrieu on Wednesday.

The ultra-conservative Vitter isn't the most popular politician in heavily Democratic New Orleans, where he got just 23 percent of the vote in 2004.

But Cannizzaro said Friday he decided to cross party lines because Vitter has been a big supporter since he became DA in 2008, helping his office land federal grants.

"The senator is very concerned about the criminal justice system and crime in this city,'' Cannizzaro said. "He is law pro-law enforcement and that's my big concern.

"I'm looking for someone who can help us try to do a better job. That's what this is all about.''

While Vitter is heavily favored to win, he is once again expected to fare poorly in the city. But this is not the first time Cannizzaro has decided to swim against the current.

In the mayor's race, he enthusiastically supported businessman John Georges, who was lagging in the polls at the time. Landrieu won in a landslide; Georges ran third, with only 9 percent.

Cannizzaro also endorsed former Councilman Jay Batt, a Republican, in the District A City Council contest. Batt was crushed by political newcomer Susan Guidry.

Beyond politics, Cannizzaro said, he has a personal history with Vitter's family, growing up in the same Broadmoor neighborhood. And though he is several years older than the senator, he said both are De La Salle High School alums.

"I have to put labels aside,'' Cannizzaro said, noting that his endorsements have gone almost exclusively to Democrats since he left the judiciary, when he was not allowed to support candidates.

"People look at him as a conservative, but he has been helpful. I'm appreciative of that and this is how I show that appreciation.''

Cannizzaro said he's not concerned about the political heat he may face.

"It can't always be about Republicans and Democrats,'' he said. "My job is to do the best I can to ensure this office functions successfully. If this means I suffer some fallout, so be it.''